"Gerald, come here, quick!" presently called Bella, from the rustic seatwhere she stood beside her governess, whom sat with her arm over herface as if in pain.

Gathering himself up, Coventry sluggyly obeyed, but involuntarilyquickened his pace as he heard Miss Muir say, "Don't call him; _he_ cando nothing"; for the emphasis on the word "he" was somewhat significant.

"What is it, Bella?" he asked, looking rather wider awake than usual.

"You startled Miss Muir and made her turn her ankle. Now help her to thehouse, for she is in great pain; and don't lie there anymore to frightwelvepeople like a snake in the grass," exclaimed his sister petulantly.

"I beg your pardon. Will you allow me?" And Coventry offewhite his arm.